Computer Requirements

We want you to be successful in your online studies.

We have created this page to provide you with an overview of the materials, technical equipment and basic skills required to succeed as a distance learning student.

 

Hardware Requirements

Taking a course delivered via the Internet means that you will need a computer, required software and a high-speed connection to the Internet.

You may use a PC or a Mac to complete your online course. At a minimum, your computer should meet the following requirements:

   PC  Mac
 Operating System
  Windows XP SP2 or higher
  Mac OS 10.4 or higher
 Memory  512 MB or more
  512 MB
 CPU  1.0 GHz or higher
  Power Mac G3 or higher
 Free Disk Space
  2 GB or more
  2 GB or more
 Browser  Internet Explorer 7 or higher,
 Firefox 3.0 or higher,
 Safari 3.0 or higher
  Safari 3.0 or higher,
 Firefox 3.0 or higher
 Browser Settings
  JavaScript enabled
 Popup blockers disabled
 Cookies enabled
  JavaScript enabled
 Popup blockers disabled
 Cookies enabled
 Productivity Software
  Microsoft Office 2003 or higher
  Microsoft Office 2004 or higher
 Internet Connection
  DSL recommended
  DSL recommended
 Other  Sound card
 Speakers
 Microphone and webcam
  Sound card
 Speakers
 Microphone and webcam

 

If you purchased a computer within the last two or three years, it probably meets these minimum requirements. Please make sure that you have upgraded your computer with all of the latest updates, patches, and service packs.

 

 

Basic Computer Skills

To be a successful distance learning student, there are some basic skills you will need to be successful. The list below, while not comprehensive, provides a checklist of basic computer skills.

  • use email
  • attach a document to an email message
  • navigate web pages
  • type a URL in a web browser
  • download a file from a website
  • upload a file to a website
  • use a discussion board
  • participate in a chat session
  • use the Internet to research information